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A new beer and wine bar named Carlstadt has opened in the University Village Shops in south Fort Myers. The bar is named after the New Jersey hometown of owner Garrett Fay Hamilton and aims to create a friendly, neighborhood feel. The establishment is designed with a "living-room vibe" and is not a traditional sports bar, though it does show local hockey games. The University Village Shops near Florida Gulf Coast University in south Fort Myers is a destination we always look forward to. We often make the rounds, grabbing a coffee at Urban Buzz, a loaf of bread at Sour & Dough, a few tacos on a Tuesday at Tacos & Tequila, a slider at Fat Katz, a slice at Mellow Mushroom, a scoop or two at Via Roma Gelateria, a couple of cookies from Insomnia and pretty much everything at San Matteo. The plaza off Ben Hill Griffin Parkway just north of Estero Parkway is also home to Skillets, Off the Bone BBQ, Thai Café, Poke Fusion, Mi Pueblito Paisa, Elevate Social, Smoothie King and Pelican Larry’s. And now, there’s another worthy stop to add to our rotation. On Oct. 11, Carlstadt Beer and Wine Bar held its grand opening in Suite B-220, nestled between the cookies and sliders. It’s named after the Bergen County borough in New Jersey. Carlstadt is close to the Meadowlands, has a historical claim to the first kindergarten in the country and is the hometown of Garrett Fay Hamilton, owner of the new beer and wine bar. “Garrett wants to bring the small town feel of Carlstadt here,” his wife, Michelle, said. “It’s known for its friendliness. The people are very social. We looked for old photos of the town to put up so people understand what the town is about and what it means to him.” You’ll find those old photos, along with images of Garrett and his family in the town, in clusters and rows throughout the inviting and welcoming space. 'Sit around, talk, drink a couple of beers' Two comfortable seating areas — mini-living rooms with leather chairs, loveseats, coffee tables (and accompanying books), throw rugs and plants — greet customers upon entering the 21-and-up bar. “We wanted to make it really inviting,” Michelle said. “We made it into a neighborhood living room, where you can sit around, talk, drink a couple of beers. It’s not a sports bar. It’s homey. We’re getting a lot of good feedback.” That living-room vibe extends past the L-shaped bar (with cool mid-century modern nodding chairs) to a third cozy seating area. This one pays homage to one of Garrett’s passions. Family-owned and operated small business “He’s worked on cars since high school,” said Michelle. “The back wall has photos of some of the cars he has worked on.” Garrett is a full-time mechanic who has worked at Porsche dealerships in Fort Myers, Naples and Orlando. “He wanted to (open the bar) because he wanted to work for himself some day,” Michelle said. “He didn’t want to wait until he retires. He wanted to do it now.” Which means, for now, Garrett and Michelle open Carlstadt at 6 p.m. Monday to Friday after they’re done working their full-time jobs (she’s in health care). It opens at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. “We come straight here after work,” Michelle said. “This is our life now. We live just up the road and would always be here, eating at restaurants. We love the vibe here. We thought this would be the perfect environment to come and have a drink after dinner.” Local and state beers are featured As far as beer selection goes, they’re focusing on local and statewide brews. There are eight beers on tap with current selections from Fort Myers Brewing, Coppertail (Tampa), Ankrolab (Naples) and Palm City (Fort Myers). Green Bench (St. Pete), Orange Blossom (Orlando) and LaBelle brewing companies’ beers are available in cans. “We want you to be able to try beers from all over the state without driving around,” Michelle said. “It’s a one-stop shop.” There are beer discounts on certain nights, a buy-a-veteran-a-beer program, $1 off a glass of wine on Wednesdays, and while it’s not a sports bar, Florida Everblades games are televised live. “Come here to watch the games and avoid the crowds,” Michelle said. And while beer sales are running strong, “a lot of wine enthusiasts are coming in.” The wine list will be growing, but for now, glasses and bottles of chardonnay, rosé, pinot noir and grigio, cabernet, merlot and Riesling are available. “We’ll be getting wines from different regions,” Michelle said. “We would love to have more feedback. Find out what you want to have in here.” They’re also open to hosting events, fundraisers, being a drop-off site and more. “We’re a family-owned business and community is very important to us,” Michelle said. “Word is spreading fast. We’re happy with the turnout.” Welcome to the neighborhood. Carlstadt Beer and Wine Bar, 19800 Village Center Drive, Unit 220, Fort Myers; open 6:30-10:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 1-10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (expected hours in season will be 1-10:30 p.m. daily); (239) 365-3633; follow on Facebook and Instagram
